Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buford, GA (2024 Update)
- Buford Solar Installation Cost: $17,765
- 25-Year Savings: $20,541
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buford
We go over average solar pricing in Buford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buford, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Buford, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,765, or $25,404 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Buford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,172 |
| 3 years | $-12,985 |
| 5 years | $-9,799 |
| 7 years | $-6,612 |
| 9 years | $-3,426 |
| 11 years | $-239 |
| 13 years | $2,947 |
| 15 years | $6,134 |
| 17 years | $9,320 |
| 19 years | $12,507 |
| 21 years | $15,693 |
| 23 years | $18,880 |
| 25 years | $22,066 |
Top Solar Installers in Buford
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Buford, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Buford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buford
Though the average cost of a solar system in Buford is $17,765, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,740 per kilowatt in Buford.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Buford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Buford have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Buford, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Buford are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,536 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,134 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,941 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,958 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,184 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,619 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,264 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,118 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Buford, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $962.42 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Buford?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.